We have a handful of expectations for players and parents and families. Please make sure you read and understand them to avoid any confusion:

Players:

1. Be on time. We need to maximize the amount of time and effort put into training. If you cannot be at a session, or if you will be late, let your coaches know. Be mindful and prepared.

2. Be a positive teammate. There are two elements to a successful team and successful players: attitude and tempo. Through all our efforts, we look for a positive attitude toward yourself, your teammates, your coaches and your opponents. We expect a high tempo throughout our training and competitive play. If we can maintain these two elements, we can accomplish anything.

3. Be willing. Be willing to truly be focused on developing your skills. Be willing to fail, to look bad and to admit when you do not know something. Then, be willing to work on it.

Parents:

Obviously, we again expect a very smooth and supportive effort this season. However, it has been a while since coaches have confirmed and/or re-established parent expectations. These are every bit as important as the ones we provide our players:

1. Be a positive pillar. Your daughter will be challenged and pushed hard this year. Her coaches will be honest and direct with her as we’ve agreed to work together to improve. It will be extremely helpful for you to be there to provide any additional encouragement and to be a comfortable pillar to lean on.

2. Coaches coach. Sara and I have a training and a competition plan. We appreciate and encourage your enthusiasm but will expect that you do not attempt to direct the players (even your own daughter) on the field. We focus players heads and ears to be paying attention to their teammates and their coaches, not to mom or dad. Any distraction will create confusion. Please enjoy her efforts for what they are. It makes for a great entertainment and a great car ride home.

3. Referees are off-limits. We assure you, we will fight for the safety and well-being of our players each and every game. We understand the dymanics of the game and know how to best communicate with the referees. When you are on the sideline, we expect you will not shout at the referees; as this will only compromise our efforts and potentially put us at risk.

4. Positively represent us all. As an NSSA Blast parent, you represent your daughter, our team, our families, and our entire association. We ask that you remain positive as you represent us all with class, dignity and respect.

5. Ask a question, expect an answer. If you ever have a question about what your daughter should be doing, or how she can continue to improve, ask us. The coaches will encourage your daughter to ask us herself if and when she is confused or needs more direction. So, whenever possible, ask her first and feel free to see if our answer matches hers.

Please know we appreciate everyones efforts to provide your daughter with the opportunity to be playing at this level. We look forward to helping her achieve success and to build confidence. With these simple expectations, we can all remain focused on getting the most out of the season.